NAOTB: Rheagen Smith Q&A

Each week 12thMan.com will touch base with a newcomer to the Aggie soccer squad. This week freshman Rheagen Smith chatted about her early days of soccer and her arrival at Texas A&M.
 
What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?
My earliest memories of playing soccer began at the YMCA playing recreationally with my friends from school, on the Pink Hornets. I was about four. It was one of those kiddie teams, but it was serious to me.
 
At what point did you realize it was something you wanted to do long term?
Every game I lost, I cried. I knew that soccer was important to me. It was something I wanted to continue to do and not just for fun, but competitively.
 
When did you know you were good enough to play Division I?
Sometime around eighth grade when one of my coaches took me with his older teams to go play, and college coaches were looking. He was explaining the whole recruiting process and that I could go to this school and that school.
 
At what point during the recruiting process did you decide to come to A&M?
I visited A&M when I was a sophomore, in the spring, and as soon as I visited I absolutely loved it. I didn't know anything about the school. I loved the campus. I loved the people. I loved the soccer. The school's great. I loved the community and the traditions here. I thought it was different from home, and I wanted something a little bit different.
 
What are your memories from the recruiting trips?
I remember going to Slocum (Nutrition Center). The food was good. I remember seeing The Villas; The Villas were very nice. That was the main thing. And just coming into the locker room, seeing everybody's names and seeing the legacy that people have left here. I wanted to be a part of that.
 
You were also a track star. What was your favorite event in track?
I wouldn't call myself a track star. But the 4x100.
 
Do you think track helped you be a more well-rounded soccer player?
Yes. Track taught me how to run properly. I don't know, it just made me faster. It also provided some variety and something different from soccer.
 
What have the Texas A&M coaches been working with you on improving?
Holding the ball more when the ball is played to us forwards. Movement off the ball, making runs and shooting. All the good stuff.
 
Describe that first game on Ellis Field.
It was really fun. I was nervous because I wanted to do well, but it was also really fun. There were a lot of fans. I love the fans. They're awesome. The environment, the field is so nice and it was just amazing.
 
How have the upperclassmen helped you along?
I love the upperclassmen. I love them because they teach us. They're not mean to us or anything intimidating. I can approach them about anything if I have a question about things on the field or I can just talk to them about things going off the field, too. We're very close and united as a team.
 
The offense so far looks like it's on the verge of really taking off and becoming unstoppable. What do you think needs to be fine-tuned to make that happen?
We really need to just focus and work on our shooting and getting in better positions to finish. If we do that we'll start seeing three or four goals instead of one or two.
 
What is your expectation going forward for this season?
To score. I haven't scored yet and my expectation is to score. I am a forward and that is my job.
 
What's your major and your career aspiration?
My major is Business. I don't know what type of business yet, but I'm going to figure it out. My career aspirations? Everyone asks what you want to be when you're older. I just want to be happy.